7 Habits of Very Organized People

Just a few recent stints of de-cluttering my home makes me feel like I have been set free from mental bondage. LOL. Yes, I keep things way too long, always thinking that I am going to do something with them someday.

But the piles grow and become all-too-overwhelming after awhile. After so many times of writing it on my "to-do-list-that-never-gets-done," I begin to just ignore the ideas/piles and the pressure they bring. So, for today, I am being a realist and throwing out or giving away several things that I know I'll never get done.

In the process I found this printed ebook, "Tips to Get Organized and to Declutter Your Home." Skimming it quickly, I was reminded of an advertisement for a book I saw recently that claimed the secret to success. The premise was to just do what you already know to do! Ah, yes, that would work, wouldn't it!

Well, to summarize this whole ebooklet for you before I declutter it into the trash. . . just take every room or problem area that you fight and put this word in front of it--SIMPLIFY. Yep, that's it.

Simplify your routine.
Simplify your possessions.
Simplify your meals.
Simplify your cleaning.

Simplify, simplify, simplify. It sounds so simple, doesn't it?

The last page did have this interesting list, and I just have to pass it on. (I could not find the author listed anywhere.)


The 7 Habits of Very Organized People

1. They have a place for everything. Every item has a consistent, assigned home.


2. They put things back. Whenever an item has been removed from its assigned home, it is used and then immediately returned to its home. There are no temporary holding places.


3. They write things down. Organized people make lists and notes, and keep these in one consistent place--such as a planner, notebook, computer or calendar. They don't try to remember things in their heads. They simply reference their lists and notes throughout the day.


4. They don't allow papers to pile up. Papers are filed each day, not left to grow into mountains. Mail is opened over the trash bin, bills are tucked into a system until bill-paying day, and magazines are read within a week or two and then recycled.


5. They don't procrastinate. When something has to be done, organized people schedule time to do it and then they keep that scheduled appointment. They know that the more they delay, the more likely opportunities will pass.


6. They set goals and assign deadlines. Organized people know that if they want to get things done, they need to know exactly what they want the end result to be. . . and by what date. They review these goals often, and set aside time each day to work on achieving them. They review what they've accomplished and never forget to reward themselves for reaching their goal.


7. They only keep what they use and/or enjoy. Organized people can't stand anything taking up space that doesn't have a useful or pleasurable purpose in their lives. They are big believers in simplicity. [italics mine]

Well, I'm relieved that I only have 7 things to work on to become a "very organized person." That's very encouraging. How about you?

Simply thankful,

Denise

My Reason for Homeschooling

These last couple of weeks I have been carving out time to de-clutter. Talk about a stress reliever! It seems to help me in so many ways, even helping me breathe easier.

Along the way I have come upon a few things that I would like to share. This poem is great for encouraging you or the homeschool families in your group. I identified with it because of my daughters. It always helps to remember the deeper reasons of why we homeschool, keeping the focus on what really matters.
Why do you homeschool?
Enjoy. Denise



My Reason for Homeschooling
by Anita Doran

I want to be the special potter,
Who molds and shapes my little daughter.
To keep her closely to my side,
To teach her why our Jesus died.

I think that she is doing great,
Especially since she's only eight.
She shops, she bakes, she mops the floor,
Has two cats she's responsible for.

She can read a product label
To see if it's fit for our table.
I teach her all about life, you see,
As she tags along with me.

And no matter where we roam,
We keep on learning, just like home.
We add a little mystery,
By learning the state's history.

Although she reads and writes and sings,
She's learning more important things.
Like love and kindness and God's word,
How to be humble, yet still be heard.

Sure it's hard and I have doubts,
"Am I doing this right?" "How will she turn out?"
And my house gets such a mess!
Too many papers strewn, I guess.

Sometimes frustration rears its head,
She didn't do what I said.
Yet, all in all, it is a charm,
To have my daughter on my arm.

If I ever have a doubt,
I get our big old Bible out.
In the book, I always see
That this is how it's meant to be.

Side by side, day by day,
Teaching her the Godly way.

Confronting Co-op Complaints

One experienced Homeschool Group Leader covers many complaints that homeschool families might have about co-ops and how their homeschool co-op overcomes these in a great article:

http://homeschoolcpa.com/overcome-common-co-op-problems/

Caren Joye shares from her heart, the group's philosophy, and from real experiences. This article can help you formulate your co-op or overcome the complaints you might be confronting yourself.
Enjoy!

Wednesday's Wisdom: A Leader of Influence

People today are desperate for leaders, someone they can trust . . . . If you want to become someone who can positively influence other people,

• model consistency of character
• employ honest communication
• value transparency
• exemplify humility
• demonstrate your support of others
• [and] fulfill your promises.

~John Maxwell in Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others

Dependability is important to every team's success. Everyone on the team knows upon whom they can and can't depend. Allow me to give you what I consider to be the essence of dependability:

• pure motives
• responsibility
• sound thinking
• [and] consistent contribution.
  

If you can't depend on teammates all the time, then you can't really depend on them any of the time. Consistency takes a depth of character that enables people to follow through no matter how tired, distracted, or overwhelmed they are.

~John Maxwell in The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player: Becoming the Kind of Person Every Team Wants

Both you as a homeschool group leader and your team of volunteers in your homeschool group need great character to get every job done, every time. Emphasize character in your leader meetings; reward your dependable leaders and volunteers with lots of recognition; promote limits and consistency in group activities. Your group will grow with your encouraging expectations.

We have enjoyed these last few weeks of studying some of John Maxwell's works. His writings are full of wisdom and understanding. We highly recommend reading as many of his writings as you can. You will be a better person and a better leader because of his trustworthy influence.

Note: Share them, too. Maxwell's books would be a great addition for a homeschool group library or even as a base curriculum for a teen citizenship co-op class or a mom's book club. You can start your collection here.

May you be blessed with dependable volunteers this coming school year!

Denise & Kristen

http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/

Wednesday's Wisdom: John Maxwell

"John Maxwell is an international recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 13 million books. His organizations have trained more than 2 million leaders worldwide. Dr. John Maxwell is the founder of INJOY Stewardship Services and EQUIP. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders, and organizations as diverse as the United States Military Academy at West Point and the National Football League. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, John Maxwell was one of 25 authors and artists named to Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame. Three of John Maxwell's books, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader have each sold over a million copies."

Today's leadership quote is to encourage you . . . knowing that your job as a homeschool group leader isn't always pretty or easy, but it is important. Serving hard-working homeschooling families is a worthy cause.

There is an old saying: Champions don't become champions in the ring--they are merely recognized there. Boxing is a good analogy for leadership development because it is all about daily preparation.

President Theodore Roosevelt [said]: ". . . The credit belongs to the man whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the greatest enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause."

~from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Thank you for volunteering for such a worthy cause,

Denise & Kristen

http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/

Wednesday's Wisdom: Organize or Agonize

Recently I bought a John Maxwell Leadership Bible like the one that we discovered as described in last week's blog. I have so enjoyed it. In all of Maxwell's writings, as well as this one, he brings out the servant-leader heart. His humble approach to leadership and care for others speaks to my heart.

Within the Leadership Bible, Maxwell pulls out the practical applications throughout the pages and is able to show how to implement these truths in every day leadership life. For example, in this quote below, Maxwell gleans principles from the way Paul handled a tough situation and gives insight from the example that can be used by us as homeschool leaders.

Organization: Leaders Organize So They Don't Have to Agonize

1 Corinthians 14:1-40

Paul wrote to bring order to a church in chaos. The Corinthians were abusing their gifts and calling attention to themselves rather than to Christ. As a leader, Paul had to change this. In fact, 1 Corinthians 14:40 urges them to do everything "decently and in order." What can we learn about organization from this chapter?

1. Identify and pursue your top priorities (v. 1).
   

2. Seek to practice what will benefit the most people (vv. 2-12).
   

3. Communicate clearly (vv. 7,8).
   

4. See things through the eyes of the outsider (vv. 23-25).
   

5. Order activities simply for the purpose of adding value to others (vv. 26-33).
   

6. Make sure everything is done in an appropriate manner (v. 40).
   

Hope these amazing truths give you clarity today. If you are interested in checking out more of John Maxwell's writings, look here.

Denise

Homeschool Group Leader

Wednesday's Wisdom: Developing the Leaders Around You

Last fall, Kristen and I were introduced to the materials of John C. Maxwell in an unusual way. We were at the Texas Home School Coalition Leadership Conference. On the beautiful campgrounds was a quaint prayer chapel drawing the spirit for some quiet times. The little white chapel with gazing windows and a steeple was nestled next to a pretty pond with gardens and a gazebo. Each of us got to spend some time there.

Within one of the corner rooms quietly lay a Maxwell Leadership Bible. We were both so excited to see the wealth of wisdom and knowledge in this green leather-bound book. We had just finished writing our book, One By One, and realized how Maxwell confirmed to us the viability of our experiences and writings. We then discovered Maxwell has so many resources for leaders and their success. Literally, there is a gold mine of truth within his books.

Today I would like to share a passage from one of Maxwell's books, Developing the Leaders Around You. We are asked at times how to help someone become a leader or take over a position, etc. This excerpt gives real-life steps to success in developing the leaders around you.

Easing people into delegation is important . . . if you want them to succeed.
Delegate according to the following steps:

1. ask them to be fact finders only...
2. ask them to make suggestions...
3. ask them to implement one of their recommendations, but only after you give your approval...
4. ask them to take action on their own, but to report the results immediately...
5. give complete authority. This is the final step--what you've been working toward.

That little white chapel that weekend awakened a whole new appreciation within me and Kristen about what it means to lead homeschoolers every day and what an important job it is! You can find our recommendations to help you as a leader, including many John Maxwell books, available here.

May you have a lot of volunteers to develop into leaders,
Denise
http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/